Chicago-based Spex had an eye for exhibit from the get-go

A serendipitous meeting led Chicago-based Spex eyewear to help sponsor Chicago artist Tony Tasset's "Eye" and "Cardinal" exhibits coming to Chicago on July 7.

Brian Smith works for the Chicago Loop Alliance, which organized the now annual art initiative featuring the show. He was sitting in a Spex examining room talking to Spex marketing chief Marilyn Frankto encourage Spex to join the Loop Alliance.

"I said I would be remiss if I didn't mention the upcoming 'Eye' exhibit," he said, given that they were in a room full of eye gear.

"It was something I believed in from the get-go," said Ms. Frank.

Her boss, Spex CEO Rob Rich, did, too, but only if it fit in the company's budget.

With a little cost-cutting, Ms. Frank said, she made sure it did.

The exhibit will be in Pritzker Park, just north of the Harold Washington Library.

Mr. Tasset, who lives in Oak Park and teaches at the University of Illinois at Chicago, was selected as the featured artist for the year by members of a curatorial committee: Zoe Ryan and James Rondeau of the Art Institute; Hamza Walker of the University of Chicago's Renaissance Society; Sotheby's Helyn Goldenberg, and Nathan Mason of the city's Department of Cultural Affairs.